Given that the costs associated with higher education are now somewhat prohibitive, it’s perhaps no surprise that apprenticeships are becoming more and more popular with not only employers in the security business sector but also the young people involved who desperately want to develop their careers.
According to research results published by the National Apprenticeship Service (NAS), over 80% of employers who take on apprentices find that they make their workplace more productive.
“The NAS study also found that 83% of employers rely on an apprenticeship programme to provide the skilled workforce that they need for the future,” explained Jason Taylor, Corps Security’s special events sales and marketing manager. “
“The security sector offers significant opportunities for career development and, at Corps Security, we’re currently employing 20 RST personnel with a vision to recruit a further 60 over the next 12 months. Once they’ve completed their year-long apprenticeship we guarantee them a full-time job.”
Experience of the Corps Security apprenticeship programme
21 year-old Sonny Spicer joined Corps Security’s apprenticeship programme in September 2011, and firmly believes that it’s vital to work for a company that’s able to offer a clearly defined career path.
“Even though I hadn’t previously considered entering the security industry,” explained Spicer, “once I did my research it was clear that it had a lot to offer. I was initially offered positions with three different companies but I chose Corps Security as the organisation has a reputation for looking after its employees and provides opportunities in a wide variety of working environments.”
Spicer currently holds a permanent position at London’s prestigious Goldsmiths Hall, and is the youngest person that Corps Security has deployed in this role. He has a great relationship with the client and those that visit the premises, and thoroughly enjoys his work there.
Spicer’s contract manager, Kerry Russell, said: “Sonny could not be a better role model. He’s punctual, trustworthy and approachable – key attributes in ensuring that we all have complete faith in his ability to complete his duties both effectively and efficiently.”
Nomination for the Security Personnel of the Year Awards
In light of his achievements so far, Corps Security has nominated Spicer for the Best Newcomer category at the 2013 Security Personnel of the Year Awards – a national awards scheme run by the British Security Industry Association.
Asked about his ambitions for the future, Spicer responded: “I would like to work in the head office as a contract manager but I know this will take time. So, realistically the next step is to aim for a supervisory role on one of Corps Security’s sites.”
For Corps Security’s Jason Taylor, Sonny’s ambitions are not a case of ‘if’ but ‘when’.
Taylor concluded: “After winning the prestigious Inspiration in HR Award at the 2012 Security Excellence Awards we know that we’re able to offer people a progressive career. We want more individuals to view the security industry as an attractive profession. Sonny is a great example of someone who will go far in this industry, and we want to see many more like him.”
